Veronica Escobar

Democrat Representative of Texas's 16th district

Congresses Served

House Terms

September 15, 1969 (55 years old)

Birthday

Has been serving as a U.S. representative since 2019
Previously served as an El Paso County commissioner and county judge
Grew up near her family's dairy farm
Attended Loretto Academy and Burges High School
Holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at El Paso and a master's degree from New York University
Worked as a nonprofit executive and communications director for the mayor of El Paso before entering politics
Was part of a group known as "The Progressives" focused on urban planning, economic diversification, and ending systemic corruption
Taught English and Chicano literature at UTEP and El Paso Community College
Led protests against the Trump administration's family separation policy
Became one of the first Latina congresswomen from Texas and the second Hispanic to represent Texas's 16th congressional district
Delivered the Spanish-language response to the State of the Union Address in 2020
Holds committee assignments on Armed Services and the Judiciary
Member of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Congressional Progressive Caucus, and New Democrat Coalition
Supported Israel following a 2023 attack and has voted in line with President Joe Biden's position 100% of the time in the 117th Congress
Married to Michael Pleters with two children